Ride-sharing drivers demand end to police harassment

A section of app-based ride-sharing drivers on Tuesday held a protest in the capital calling for an end to police harassment, among other demands.

Under the banner of Dhaka Ridesharing Drivers Union (DRDU), the drivers started their human-chain protest with banners and placards in front of the National Press Club on Tuesday morning.

Earlier on Monday, DRDU General Secretary Belal Ahmed announced a 24-hour nationwide strike to press home their six demands.

Their other demands include, recognition of the app-based drivers as workers and the evaluation of their work and working hours; 10 per cent commission of ride-shares and a stop to termination of drivers under false pretence; allocation of space for ride-sharing vehicles in Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet; exemption of Advanced Income Tax (AIT) for enlisted ride-sharing drivers; and return all AIT enlisted vehicles to their owners.

The protests erupted soon after a ride-sharing driver set his motorcycle on fire at the capital’s Badda area on Monday, while venting out his frustration and anger over a police sergeant who attempted to penalize him for parking rules violation. The video of the incident went viral on social media.

DRDU leaders also said Shommilito Riders of Chattogram (CRC), Kothai Jaben Rise-sharing group Sylhet (KRGS) expressed their solidarity in the strike.